Postdoctoral Fellow- Biophysical Chemistry

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Postdoctoral Fellow- Biophysical Chemistry

Department

Research | Li Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science (Hongbin Li)

Posting End Date

September 18, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

October 31, 2027

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $62,000/annually.

Position Description

The Li Group in the Department of Chemistry at The University of British Columbia is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to join cutting-edge projects in single-molecule biophysics. Funded by NSERC and CIHR, our research group investigates the mechanical properties, folding pathways, and conformational dynamics of proteins using advanced force spectroscopy techniques. The successful candidate will leverage Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and/or Optical Tweezers to probe protein mechanics at the single-molecule level, contributing to fundamental discoveries in biophysical chemistry.

Expected Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments (AFM or Optical Tweezers).
• Purify, characterize, and prepare protein samples optimized for single-molecule mechanical manipulation.
• Develop, refine, and implement automated data analysis pipelines using Igor Pro (or MATLAB, Python).
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students within the research group.
• Lead the preparation of high-impact manuscripts and present research at national and international conferences.
• May provide orientation and training on laboratory techniques and instruments as required.
• Maintain safe and clean lab space used
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry, Biophysics, Physics, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Prior experience with single-molecule techniques (AFM, Optical Tweezers, Magnetic Tweezers, or single-molecule fluorescence) is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis and programming (Igor Pro, Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Prior experience with molecular biology or protein biochemistry (cloning, expression, purification) is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• A strong track record of scientific productivity, evidenced by first-author publications or preprints.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.

Work Location

• The primary work location is the UBC Vancouver Campus

Application Process

• Seeking full-time PDF for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

• Anticipated Start Date: Nov. 1, 2026, or as soon as possible.
• Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed starting Sept. 15 until the position is filled.
• Only applications received through UBC’s online job board will be considered

Please submit the following documents in your application

• A CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for three referees
• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

All applicants are asked to address the following points in their cover letters

• Their technical and analytical expertise
• Their program languages
• The earliest date that they would be available

Equity and Diversity Statement

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through

continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-ordisability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca .